England squad announced: Palmer left out as Tuchel calls up Jobe Bellingham and Josh King

Cole Palmer and Phil Foden have been left out of England’s November squad, with Thomas Tuchel handing first senior call-ups to Jobe Bellingham and Josh King for the Nations League matches against Croatia and Spain.

The announcement on Friday 6 November ends the debate over a Palmer recall. The Chelsea midfielder misses out despite being available, while Borussia Dortmund’s Bellingham joins his older brother Jude in the senior group.

Declan Rice, Ben White and Djed Spence return. Trent Alexander-Arnold retains his place, but there is no selection for Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo or Arsenal winger Noni Madueke.

England squad in full for Croatia and Spain

Tuchel has named 25 players for the final international window of 2026. The confirmed England squad is listed below.

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Jason Steele (Brighton), James Trafford (Leeds United).

Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Real Madrid), Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton), Marc Guéhi (Manchester City), Lewis Hall (Newcastle United), Ezri Konsa (Arsenal), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), Djed Spence (Inter Milan), Ben White (Arsenal).

Midfielders: Elliot Anderson (Manchester City), Jobe Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), James Garner (Everton), Josh King (Fulham), Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal), Declan Rice (Arsenal).

Forwards: Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Leeds United), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal), Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest), Anthony Gordon (Barcelona), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Rio Ngumoha (Liverpool), Morgan Rogers (Chelsea).

Cole Palmer left out despite England fitness checks

Palmer’s availability had been checked before the announcement. The Times reports that England were told he was fit, making his absence a selection decision rather than a confirmed injury withdrawal.

The Chelsea midfielder has made only three England appearances under Tuchel. His latest omission follows the manager’s criticism after he withdrew from the previous international window.

“He misses too many camps,” Tuchel said at the time. “It is a missed opportunity. He misses too many opportunities.” Those were comments about the earlier withdrawal, not a new explanation for Friday’s decision.

Our analysis of Palmer’s England position after Tuchel’s warning examines the competition he faces for a place. This squad leaves him outside the group again, but does not establish that his international career under Tuchel is over.

Jobe Bellingham and Josh King earn first England call-ups

The two newcomers give the announcement its other major story. Jobe Bellingham, 21, receives his first senior opportunity alongside Jude, while Fulham midfielder King, 19, is rewarded for his progress this season.

King has scored twice and provided one assist in nine Premier League appearances. He also joined England’s World Cup preparation camp during the summer, so Tuchel has already worked with him at close quarters, as reporting on his first call-up explains.

Both now have the chance to turn selection into a senior debut during England’s final two matches of the year.

Foden, Mainoo and Madueke miss out

Palmer is not the only established name omitted. Foden remains outside the squad, while Mainoo and Madueke have also been overlooked. Jordan Henderson and Harry Maguire are absent too, according to the report on Tuchel’s selection decisions.

Rice’s return strengthens the midfield options, while White and Spence give Tuchel further choices in defence. Alexander-Arnold keeps his place despite competition at right-back.

For the players left out, the next opportunity will depend on form, fitness and Tuchel’s plans after this window. The squad announcement alone does not explain the individual reasons behind every omission.

England fixtures: Croatia first, then Spain

England host Croatia at Wembley on Thursday 12 November before travelling to Madrid to face Spain on Sunday 15 November.

Tuchel’s side have nine points from four Nations League matches, with three wins and one defeat. A point from either remaining fixture would secure a place in March’s quarter-finals.

Date	Fixture	Venue
Thursday 12 November 2026	England vs Croatia	Wembley Stadium, London
Sunday 15 November 2026	Spain vs England	Metropolitano Stadium, Madrid

Harry Kane also has a personal milestone within reach. The captain is level with Peter Shilton on 125 England appearances and will become the country’s outright record appearance-holder if he plays in either match.

Before the international break, the selected players return to club duties. Our Premier League fixtures guide covers the weekend programme.